Thanks first of all for supporting my journey by visiting my fundraiser page to see what's up!  I am officially less than two weeks out from the biggest adventure I have tackled: the TransRockies Run.  During it, I will be raising money for an incredible organization called Free to Run.  The TransRockies run stretches from Buena Vista, CO to Beaver Creek, CO with a total distance of 119 miles and 22,500 feet of elevation gain.  Am I ready?  No, I probably could use another year of training, but I'm going to tackle it anyway!

I was introduced to Free to Run when listening to Samantha Gash's podcast interview with Stephanie Case (https://www.samanthagash.com/podcast/34-stephanie-case-the-ultimate-outlier-a-un-human-rights-lawyer-who-breaks-running-conventions/) I wasn't familiar with them previously, but they blew my mind with the ability to not only think big, but to give back in a meaningful way.  I was inspired by Stephanie's (Free to Run founder's) story and the mission described as the following:

Free to Run works to support women and girls in areas of conflict through adventure sports to build physical, emotional, and social well being. We provide them with the tools to become leaders who exercise self determination, challenge negative norms, and boldly reclaim public spaces. Free to Run members are community leaders, advocates, and role models in their societies, bringing people together across cultural, ethnic, and religious lines. They change views about the roles that women can, and should, play in society. (https://freetorun.org/what-we-do)

After almost a year and a half marked by restriction and limitations, I think we can all appreciate a little more the power and joy that getting time outside brings to all of our lives.  Can you imagine always living under the limitations from living and moving outdoors?  And while there are so many incredible things to raise money for, I kept coming back to this - adventure activities and sport have given me more confidence and empowerment than anything else I have experienced.  I genuinely do not believe I'd be the person I am today without them in my life.

My goal is to raise $1190, $10 per mile, as part of the TransRockies run.  Sign up to support me a certain amount per mile!  And for those who followed along with the Everest Base Camp burpees - perhaps we can even get some of those in if it's looking like we'll make the target.  Let's see if I can make it through this crazy adventure - I know having people behind me will motivate me more than anything else.

Please help me to support these women living in conflict areas- We can make a difference!

Cheers,

Marisa